Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residency in London. While it may seem brief, I have gained numerous insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting a vast array of housing alternatives and multifaceted communities. Students have a wealth of options available to them. Both university accommodations and private housing offer diverse choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, and platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential homes online, showcasing amenities and access to public transport.
During my search for a living space, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to stay close to major sights, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding public transportation infrastructure, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel among zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zone journeys can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. Thus, I opted to walk short distances rather than use buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services encompass regions beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside the central area. Fares for inter-zone trips on these services differ depending on distance and the fare policies of each railway operator. Central London is home to major attractions, resulting in higher living expenditures. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we made the choice to share a room, which considerably reduced our rent. I was inclined towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a feat that would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was paramount for me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Close proximity to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies aids in streamlining errands, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic enclaves are vital to its cultural landscape, providing a rich mosaic of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of connection to their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, features a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean residents and lively music culture. Chinatown, positioned in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling district filled with numerous Chinese dining options, retail shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a handful of examples of community-infused neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas for living in London hinge on your interests and requirements. When embarking on your quest for a new residence in London, embrace the spectrum and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural communities, and savor the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.